MUW’s master’s program in speech-language pathology re-accredited

COLUMBUS – The graduate education program in speech-language pathology at MississippiUniversity for Women has been re-accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech – Language Pathology (CAA).

MUW’s program was found to be in full compliance with all accreditation standards and no weaknesses were identified. The re-accreditation is for a period of eight years, beginning Sept. 1, 2011, through Aug. 31, 2019.

Dr. Sheila Adams, dean for the College of Nursing & Speech-Language Pathology, said, “The result of this recent accreditation visit reinforces the ongoing excellence of the Speech-Language Pathology Program at MississippiUniversity for Women. The faculty are exceptional and are constantly monitoring changes in the profession and incorporating those changes into the curriculum. This guarantees our graduates are outstanding and are well prepared to enter the profession as speech-language pathologists.”

The CAA of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) accredits graduate programs that prepare individuals to enter professional practice in audiology and/or speech-language pathology. The CAA was established by ASHA and is authorized to function autonomously in setting and implementing standards and awarding accreditation.

The CAA has identified the following components as essential to quality education in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology and has established its accreditation standards accordingly:

– administrative structure and governance

– faculty

– curriculum (academic and clinical education)

– students

– assessment

– program resources

Joy Townsend, interim chair of MUW’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology, said, “The intention of accreditation is to promote excellence in the academic preparation of future professionals while assuring the public that graduates of accredited programs are educated in a core set of knowledge and skills for independent professional practice. This re-accreditation report is particularly strong as the program was found to be in complete compliance on all standards. This is quite an accomplishment and a testimony to the dedication of the faculty.”

MUW offers an undergraduate, pre-professional degree and a master of science degree in speech-language pathology. Additionally, the program operates the Speech and HearingCenter which provides speech, language and hearing services to the public and allows supervised graduate students to learn in a “hands-on” environment.

For additional information about MUW’s program, contact the department at (662) 329-7270 or visit http://web2.muw.edu/index.php/en/main-speech-path/.